Topical Bible: Widows: should be Pleaded For

◄ Widows: should be Pleaded For ►

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In the biblical context, widows are often highlighted as a vulnerable group deserving of special care and advocacy. The Scriptures consistently emphasize the importance of providing for and defending widows, reflecting God's compassion and justice.

Old Testament Teachings

The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for the care of widows. In the Law of Moses, God commands His people to protect and provide for widows. Exodus 22:22-23 states, "You must not mistreat any widow or orphan. If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to Me in distress, I will surely hear their cry." This passage underscores the seriousness with which God views the mistreatment of widows, promising divine retribution against those who oppress them.

Deuteronomy 10:18 further reveals God's character, stating, "He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing." Here, God is portrayed as a defender and provider for widows, setting an example for His people to follow.

The book of Isaiah also calls for justice on behalf of widows. Isaiah 1:17 exhorts, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." This prophetic call to action highlights the responsibility of God's people to actively advocate for widows.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues this theme, with the early church being instructed to care for widows. In Acts 6:1-6, the apostles address the neglect of Hellenistic widows in the daily distribution of food, appointing deacons to ensure their needs are met. This passage illustrates the church's commitment to the welfare of widows and the importance of organized care within the Christian community.

The Apostle Paul provides specific instructions regarding widows in 1 Timothy 5:3-4 : "Honor the widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show godliness to their own household and repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God." Paul emphasizes the responsibility of families to care for their widowed relatives, while also recognizing the church's role in supporting those who are truly in need.

James 1:27 succinctly captures the essence of true religion: "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." This verse highlights the integral role of caring for widows as a reflection of genuine faith and devotion to God.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, widows are consistently portrayed as individuals who should be pleaded for and protected. The biblical mandate to care for widows is rooted in God's character and His call for justice and compassion. Believers are encouraged to follow God's example by advocating for and supporting widows, ensuring their needs are met and their rights defended.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Seven Deacons
... was an alleged neglect of the Greek widows in the ... fulfill their important mission
unless they should remain united ... Had He not pleaded with the Father that they ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 9 the seven deacons.htm

The Call of Isaiah
... nor his long life of service could be pleaded as an ... By their apostasy and rebellion
those who should have been ... cries of the poor and needy, the widows and the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 25 the call of.htm

Appendix (Referred to in Note 1)
... meet the readiness with which it is pleaded as a ... to the provision to be made for
widows, making a ... plainly respect the provision which children should make for ...
/.../groves/christian devotedness/appendix referred to in note.htm

Face to Face with Shams
... widows who were so far from being widows indeed' that ... Paul pleaded"and in accordance
with the words of Him ... to bear celibacy"that this burden should not be ...
/.../chapter xxiii face to face.htm

Philip, the Evangelist
... daily ministration of charity to the poor widows (Acts 6 ... he may have wondered why
he should have been ... not imagine him pleading as Peter had pleaded before, "and ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/philip the evangelist.htm

The Revelation
... They visited the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and kept ... for them and
His desire that they should make sure ... "Remember," He pleaded, "from whence ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 57 the revelation.htm

The World, the Flesh, and the Devil
... He found the three widows fuming in almost speechless rage ... readily his own ideal
of what they should be for ... on the contrary, he had earnestly pleaded, and whose ...
/.../chapter xxxvii the world the.htm

Carried Captive into Babylon
... "Go ye not into Egypt," he pleaded. ... idolatry, yet He would show mercy to those who
should prove loyal ... We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers are as widows. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 37 carried captive into.htm

A Seeker for Truth
... him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by ... Special efforts should be
made for these souls, who are in ... in regard to the vision and pleaded that it ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 14 a seeker for.htm

Letter cxxvii. To Principia.
... dedicate myself to perpetual chastity, I should look for a ... the discipline laid down
for virgins and for widows. ... of highborn ladies, yet she pleaded so earnestly ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxvii to principia.htm